# Lingo Bus vs Dot Languages

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Lingo Bus at none against Dot Languages's 5. Dot Languages's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months) and rating (4.2 vs 3.8). On price, ratings volume, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dot Languages sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $9.00 per month. Lingo Bus asks for nothing beyond the download.

Dot Languages holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 38 and 55 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Lingo Bus's written reviews are positive against 72% of Dot Languages's.

Lingo Bus ships an update every 2 months, Dot Languages every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lingo Bus | Dot Languages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lingo-bus/id1270693581/reviews) | **[4.2 (55 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dot-languages/id1547286120/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 38 | **55** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **72.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 120 MB | 198 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.5 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VIPTEACHER PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1602493729) | [Dot Languages ApS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1547286122) |

## What reviewers say

### Lingo Bus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lingo-bus/id1270693581)

Offers live, 1-on-1 Chinese language lessons for children aged 5-12. Features native teachers, an immersive curriculum aligned with international standards, and progress tracking tools. Focuses on developing cultural awareness and making learning fun.

**Highlights:** 1-on-1 live Chinese classes, Native Chinese teachers, Immersive curriculum, Progress tracking, Preview and review materials, Cultural awareness development

**In-app purchases:** none


### Dot Languages

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dot-languages/id1547286120)

Master Mandarin Chinese with engaging texts tailored to your skill level, from beginner to advanced. Practice reading, listening, and writing with daily new content covering diverse topics. Share and discover texts with a community of learners.

**Highlights:** Learn Mandarin Chinese texts, HSK 1-9 level categorization, Daily new text additions, Custom text creation and sharing, Reading, listening, and writing practice, Progress tracking

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Standard Monthly | $9.00 | per month |
| Dot Premium - Monthly | $18.49 | per month |
| Standard Yearly | $72.00 | per year |
| Dot Premium - Yearly | $135.99 | per year |
| Dot Premium - Family Plan | $339.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Amazing app for learning Chinese
- 📚 Incredibly useful functions
- 🎨 Beautifully designed
- 💯 Must-have for Chinese learners
- ✍️ Versatile: writing, reading, listening, speaking

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ App not opening/crashing
- 📉 App has gone downhill
- 💸 Overpriced and too many bugs
- 🚫 Useless unless you pay
- 🤔 Too simplified, unhelpful buttons

**Reported bugs**

- App closes every time after signing up
- App not opening
- App crashes on startup
- Articles disappear when hitting back icon
- Return button partially visible after lesson

**Requested features**

- Add Korean and Japanese language options
- Add stories in addition to articles
- Option for lifetime subscription
- Speaking exercises
- More vibrant colors and backgrounds


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lingo Bus free?

Lingo Bus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Dot Languages free?

Dot Languages is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Lingo Bus or Dot Languages?

Dot Languages is rated higher. Lingo Bus averages 3.8 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while Dot Languages averages 4.2 from 55 ratings.

### Do Lingo Bus or Dot Languages have ads?

Neither Lingo Bus nor Dot Languages shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Lingo Bus or Dot Languages?

Lingo Bus ships an update every 2 months, and Dot Languages every 5 days. Most recently, Lingo Bus was updated on October 24, 2026 and Dot Languages on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*